How severe is a charge of Underage Drinking and what are the penalties?

In Pennsylvania, the charge of Underage Drinking, 18 Pa.C.S.A 6308, is classified as a non-traffic summary offense. While a summary offense is not as severe as a felony or misdemeanor charge, a conviction of Underage Drinking could result in a period of incarceration, a hefty fine, and will result in a suspension of Pennsylvania driving privileges. For the first offense of Underage Drinking, the maximum sentence is 90 days of incarceration, a $500.00 fine, and a 90-day suspension of Pennsylvania driving privileges. For subsequent offenses of Underage Drinking, the maximum fine permitted by law increases to $1,000.00, and the suspension increases to 1 year for a second offense and 2 years for third and subsequent offenses. While a sentence of incarceration is possible for this offense, such a punishment is rarely imposed.